The Problem with Microplastics in Tea Bags: UK Brands Compared

Tea is the UK’s national drink — according to the UK Tea & Infusions Association, we drink approximately 100 million cups every day. What most tea drinkers do not realise is that many standard tea bags contain plastic — and when you pour boiling water over them, that plastic sheds microparticles directly into your cup.

The Research

A widely reported 2019 study by McGill University, published in Environmental Science & Technology, found that a single plastic tea bag at brewing temperature (95°C) releases approximately 11.6 billion microplastic and 3.1 billion nanoplastic particles per cup. The study tested premium pyramid-style bags made from nylon and PET (polyethylene terephthalate).

These numbers are striking — orders of magnitude higher than the microplastic levels found in other food and drink sources. The combination of near-boiling water and thin plastic mesh creates ideal conditions for microplastic shedding.

A subsequent study published in Food Chemistry confirmed that even standard flat tea bags containing polypropylene heat-seal layers release measurable quantities of microplastic particles during brewing, though at lower levels than fully plastic pyramid bags.

Which UK Tea Brands Use Plastic?

Traditionally, most UK tea bags used a heat-seal strip of polypropylene to close the bag — accounting for approximately 20-30% of the bag’s total material. This plastic strip is why standard tea bags do not fully decompose in home compost.

However, following consumer pressure and media coverage, many major UK tea brands have been reformulating:

Brands That Have Removed Plastic

• Clipper — switched to unbleached, non-GM plant-based bags sealed with a natural material. Clipper was one of the first UK brands to go plastic-free and is certified by the Soil Association.
• PG Tips — transitioned to fully biodegradable bags made from plant starch (PLA) and natural fibres.
• Pukka — uses stapled, unbleached bags with no plastic sealant.
• Teapigs — uses biodegradable cornstarch mesh for their temple bags (pyramid style).
• Yorkshire Tea — completed transition to plant-based (PLA) heat-seal material, replacing polypropylene.

Brands Still Using or Recently Using Plastic

• Twinings — has been transitioning but some product lines may still use conventional bags. Check packaging for specific claims.
• Tetley — committed to removing plastic but the transition timeline has been extended multiple times.
• Supermarket own-brand — varies widely. Some have switched to plant-based materials; others still use polypropylene heat seals. Check packaging carefully.

How to Avoid Microplastics in Your Tea

Best Option: Loose Leaf Tea

Loose leaf tea eliminates the tea bag entirely. Use a stainless steel or ceramic infuser. Loose leaf tea is also generally higher quality, produces less waste, and costs less per cup than bagged tea. Most UK supermarkets and specialist tea shops stock loose leaf options.

Plastic-Free Tea Bags

If you prefer the convenience of bags, choose brands that explicitly state “plastic-free” on their packaging. Clipper, Pukka, and Teapigs are reliable plastic-free options widely available from UK retailers.

Avoid Pyramid/Mesh Bags

Pyramid-style bags made from nylon or PET mesh release the highest quantities of microplastics. Even brands that have removed plastic from standard flat bags may still use synthetic mesh for premium pyramid ranges. Check the material carefully — “silken” or “mesh” bags are typically plastic.

Temperature Matters

The McGill study found that microplastic release increases dramatically with temperature. If using conventional tea bags, brewing at slightly lower temperatures may reduce (though not eliminate) microplastic shedding. However, the most effective solution is simply to use bags without plastic.

Environmental Impact

Beyond personal health, plastic tea bags contribute to environmental microplastic pollution. When tea bags containing polypropylene are composted (as many consumers assume they can be), the plastic fragments persist in the soil. When they go to landfill, the plastic degrades over decades into micro and nanoplastics that leach into groundwater.

For a nation drinking 36 billion cups of tea per year, even small quantities of plastic per bag add up to substantial environmental contamination.

Sources

1. Plastic teabags release billions of microparticles and nanoparticles into tea — Environmental Science & Technology, 2019
2. Microplastic release from conventional tea bags during brewing — Food Chemistry, 2022
3. UK Tea & Infusions Association statistics — UK Tea & Infusions Association